Why These Repairs Are Not DIY-Friendly

As homeowners, we need to be prepared for repairs. Often, we can manage the little things by ourselves. However, there are specific projects that only professionals should handle.

Tree Removal

If you try to cut down a tree or a large tree limb yourself, you risk sustaining an injury, as well as damage to your home or yard. That’s why you must turn to a professional to safely carry out the job. If the tree or limb poses a hazard, you will need to have it removed as soon as possible. When hiring a tree service, keep in mind that you’ll probably spend between $1,050 and $1,450 for tree removal, though the cost depends on how tall the tree is and whether it’s near a power line. When the job is done, you can have the service remove the tree stump via stump grinding for an additional fee. Keeping all of that in mind, you should get several estimates before deciding on a service.

Electric Wiring

Many DIY jobs gone wrong may just lead to property damage, but attempting your own electrical work can cause injury. If you cross the wrong wires, you may get electrocuted, and poor wiring can lead to fires down the line. You may also neglect safety precautions that professionals are aware of. This includes using things like ground fault interrupters (GFIs), which make outlets in wet environments, like bathrooms, safe. If you have a minor project, such as installing switches or GFIs, hiring an electrician will only cost $100-$250. More involved repairs, like upgrading your home’s electrical service, cost can run from $1,000 up to $4,500 depending on the size of the service, but you’ll know the work will be done well and that your home will be safe.

Plumbing

Some plumbing repairs are straightforward and can be safely managed by homeowners. However, when water purity is a concern, it's best to call a contractor. When your water has a strong smell or a rusty color, a plumber can both diagnose your problem and fix it safely. If your home was built before 1980, your pipes run the risk of leaking lead. A contractor can test for this and install filters to keep your family safe. Basic fixes, like repairing a leaky faucet or unclogging a drain, run as little as $100. However, larger projects, like installing a new tankless water heater, can cost much more.

Remodeling

Sometimes, the best way to repair a home is to invest in remodeling. While painting is something most of us can do, call in a professional for more labor-intensive work. You may think you can take a wall down yourself, but it may be load-bearing. Remove it, and you compromise the structure of your building. You also need to let professionals handle foundational repairs. A mistake there can destroy a home. On average, the cost of repairing your foundation is $5,838. If you have more than one crack, the price will rise accordingly. Other things, like laying tile or putting in a new set of cabinets, are also best done by contractors. They have teams to complete projects quickly and will make sure that everything is installed evenly.

Potentially Toxic Repairs

We want our homes to keep us safe, but they can sometimes poison us. Older homes are often made with lead paint or asbestos, which can cause lung cancer. Black mold is toxic, and can expose children to conditions like asthma. These substances need to be carefully removed to prevent spreading and inhalation. Inspection for asbestos may cost between $400 and $800. That does not include removal, which can cost between $1,500 and $30,000, depending on the size of the home. The price may be large, but it can save your life.

Permits

You may be the sole owner of your home, but that doesn't give you license to do anything you want to it. Many projects and repairs still require special permits. It's good to look up local laws or HOA ordinances to avoid fines. Of course, you can always speak to the professional you have hired for your project, because they will know the codes for your area.

No matter how competent you feel, leave these things to certified repair professionals. It's the safest thing to do, both for yourself and your wallet. They know when you need a permit and the proper way to safely complete projects, and they will get the job done more quickly than if you take the DIY route.

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Written by Natalie Jones